cattle

Florida’s Beef, Dairy and Allied Industries Generated Billions in Revenues in 2017

Dan Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Economy, Florida, Industry News Release, Research

As Florida approaches the 500-year anniversary of the introduction of cattle to her shores in 1521, a new report from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) demonstrates just how important beef and dairy production have become to the state’s economy – and shows a recent upswing in Florida cattle industry exports. In 2017, Florida’s combined …

Florida lawmakers

Secretary Perdue Comments on President Trump’s Budget Proposal

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after President Trump submitted his FY 2020 budget proposal to Congress: “Our economy is booming, and unemployment is the lowest it’s been in decades. While the agriculture community still faces challenges, the Trump economy is creating new opportunities for all Americans to thrive,” said Secretary Perdue. “President Trump’s budget is fiscally …

hurricane

Senators Roll Out Hurricane Relief Plan

Dan Economy, Florida, Industry News Release

Northwest Florida lawmakers Thursday promoted a $315 million proposal that would make loans available to local governments still reeling from Hurricane Michael. The proposal also would set up a task force to determine additional state assistance for the storm-battered region. The wide-ranging Senate bill (SB 1610) comes after numerous other proposals have been filed in the House and Senate to …

american rescue plan

Farmers Helped Protect Crop Insurance During 2018 Farm Bill Debate

Dan Economy, Farm Bill, Industry News Release, Legislative

Every five years, Congress sets the course for our nation’s agricultural policy with the passage of a Farm Bill. When farm policy critics predictably suggested that Congress use the 2018 Farm Bill to undermine the critical safety net that crop insurance provides, those who depend on crop insurance were quick to tell Capitol Hill to “do no harm” to this important program. …

fmmo

First 2019 Dairy Safety Net Payment Triggered

Dan Dairy, Economy, Industry News Release

Enrollment Expected to Begin this Summer The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the January 2019 income over feed cost margin was $7.99 per hundredweight, triggering the first payment for eligible dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. DMC, which replaces …

producers

Survey: Producers Less Optimistic Regarding Farm Economy

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer weakened in February as producers became less optimistic about current economic conditions and the commodity price outlook. The barometer, which is based on a survey of 400 U.S. agricultural producers, declined seven points to a reading of 136, down from 143 in January. A rating below 100 is negative, while a rating above …

china

China, U.S. Nearing Trade Deal

Dan Economy, Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Trade

The U.S. and China are inching closer to an agreement on trade that could be reached this month, according to those close to the talks. Bloomberg reports an agreement could be reached and finalized later this month during a planned summit between China’s President and President Donald Trump. As part of the potential agreement, China would lower tariffs on agricultural …

alfa

Alfa Insurance Helps Customers Following Deadly Tornadoes

Dan Alabama, Economy, Industry News Release

Leveled homes, downed trees and collapsed barns bore witness to the strength of Sunday’s deadly tornadoes as Alfa Insurance responded to claims. “We’ve seen everything from where there used to be houses and only slabs are left, to a substantial equipment barn with 3- to 4-foot footings pulled out of the ground,” said Alfa Adjuster J.R. Jung. “This is a …

natural disaster

Georgia Leaders, Farmers Urge Congress To Pass Disaster Relief Package

Dan Economy, Georgia

Georgia leaders, farmers and elected officials are urging Congress to quickly pass the bipartisan disaster relief package introduced last week by U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA). President Trump, working with a bipartisan group of senators, has confirmed his support for disaster relief and encouraged Congress to pass legislation with funding for Georgia and other states that …